While there are thousands of physics-based puzzlers in the app store, it’s always nice to play one that is executed well. Nothing in Equilibrium screams amazing or spectacular, but I thoroughly enjoyed playing it and had fun while killing some time.

Even though a game based on solving puzzles with physics isn’t anything new, the one innovative feature of the app is that it is an Alternate Reality Game (ARG). The first time the app is launched, players select which team they want to be on. The two choices are matter and anti-matter. Then, a player’s score is combined with the scores from everyone else around the world on the same team. There is a global leaderboard that is updated to display whether the matter or anti-matter team is winning. The two teams figure into the intricate alternate reality backstory about scientists, but it isn’t necessary to buy in to it to enjoy the game.

To be honest, I didn’t really care that much about the back-story and the whole ARG concept. I was more interested in the levels since I had a lot of fun playing them. Many of the level components are particles from chemistry, like positrons and ions. The goal of the game is to shoot a positron into the anti-proton by pulling it back. The speed and direction are determined by how far and what direction it’s pulled back. Anti-ions attract or repel the positrons, depending on if they’re positive or negative. The positron also bounces off deflectors that appear in some levels. Overall, all of the game components are pretty standard fare for a puzzler, but I appreciate that they all fit in with the central theme. I did however found myself confusing all of the different particles, but fortunately the help screen details each one.

Equilibrium is a fun way to kill time. I found all of the different particles very interesting and they made for some very exciting levels. Considering the app is $0.99 and has 60 levels, it’s an extremely good deal. Anyone who enjoys a game with a back-story will also get a kick out of this app and the global leaderboard idea is an innovative idea.

iPhone Screenshots

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